Medical device tube having suction lumen and an associated suctioning system
US8783255B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 30, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jul 22, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 25, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2209/06
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Various embodiments of a tracheal tube having a suction lumen are provided. For example, the suction lumen may be associated with two spaced apart pressure transducers, whereby a pressure drop between the transducers indicates that the suction lumen is free of blockages and a characteristic lack of pressure drop and/or particular pressure curve is indicative of a blockage. In addition, embodiments may include a tracheal tube with sensors configured to sense a buildup of secretions. The sensors may be located proximate to an opening in the suction lumen. In other embodiments, a blockage-clearing system for a suction lumen may be provided that blows air into the suction lumen to clear blockages. In particular, in certain embodiments, the blockage-clearing system may operate to create its own pressurized air source by utilizing the pressure change created in the suction line by a blockage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.